Patricia L. Cameron, PhD
Vice Dean, The Graduate School
(706) 721- 3278
BIOMED@augusta.edu
Cancer is one of the most complex, feared, and devastating diseases affecting humanity. In the United States alone, about two million new cancer cases are diagnosed each year, and about 600,000 are projected to die of cancer (about 1,600 daily). The best intellectual and technological resources are focused on eliminating cancer through increased understanding, prevention, detection, and treatment. Cancer investigators are working together to address this challenge effectively. At Augusta University, we have formed collaborative teams across diverse fields of study (e.g., developmental, biochemical, cell and molecular biology, pharmacology, immunology, epidemiology, genetics, and many others). This multidisciplinary approach provides diverse research opportunities and the chance to make enormous strides in our understanding of cancer biology. Still, some of the most important discoveries await the next generation of scientists.
The Biochemistry and Cancer Biology program (BCB) of Augusta University offers some of the best technological facilities in the world and the innovative training needed to make significant contributions to this critical field of discovery. Joining the BCB team will expand your intellectual horizons and explore the limits of your potential as a next-generation cancer researcher.
"Each student who joins the BCB program becomes a part of a family that works together to ensure that students are not only successful, but enjoy the journey." - Darren Browning, PhD
Biosketch
Dr. Browning is an internationally recognized expert on cGMP signaling in the gastrointestinal tract. He has published over 60 papers that have been cited 2951 times to date. His expertise and perspectives on the field are sought for review articles, editorials, and invitations to speak at national and international venues. A pivotal discovery from Dr. Browning’s team was that phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors can amplify cGMP signaling in the intestinal epithelium to cause profound effects that highlight this class of drugs for the treatment of constipation, leaky gut associated disorders, and for the prevention of colorectal cancer. Dr. Browning’s colon cancer research was awarded “Best of AACR”, was chosen in 2017 and 2018 as the cover art for Cancer Prevention Research, and has been featured in television and magazine outlets. Dr. Browning peer-reviews manuscripts from top journals, he is ad hoc reviewer for several funding agencies including the National Institutes of Health, and is a long-standing member of an Oncology study section for the Veteran Affairs Administration. The Browning laboratory continues to unravel cGMP signaling mechanisms using cutting-edge intestinal organoid and mouse models, and in collaboration with physicians at the Georgia Cancer Center and Digestive Health Center he is moving his research into the clinic to benefit patients.
In addition to his scientific achievements, Dr. Browning had mentored 26 trainees in his laboratory. He is a top educator at Augusta University, where he teaches biochemistry and signaling to undergraduate, graduate and medical students, and was awarded distinguished teacher award by the Graduate School in 2017. Dr. Browning is also dedicated to educational administration and has served for many years as director for the Biochemistry and Cancer Biology graduate program, and the Augusta University Three-Minute Thesis program.
Darren Browning, PhD
Program Director
dbrowning@augusta.edu
"I chose my degree program because the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
is very collaborative. I like that I can ask for help if needed from other Professors
and everyone is friendly and knowledgeable."
Karina Aguilar >>
"My career goal is to become a PI investigating ways to reduce the harmful effects
of Radiation on Astronauts in space."
Dominique Monroe >>
